1432 WEALTHY SE CULL GROUP, INC

Photo by Cathy Seaver, Cull Group, Inc.

Photo by Cathy Seaver, Cull Group, Inc.

West Michigan Modern interviewed Jefferson Seaver of the Cull Group, Inc. http://www.cullgroup.comlast spring to find out more about their headquarters, a stylish modern building in the heart of Eastown, at 1432 Wealthy SE. Until 2013, they were located on College Avenue in the Heritage Hill neighborhood in an old mansion that was a fun place to work, but they needed a bigger and as they say on their website "more collaborative space." So they bought the building at 1432 Wealthy SE. Previous owners, Uptown Ministries had made some significant repairs to the building already, but Cull Group, fully renovated the building and gave it a cool renewed modern flair. Now they call this great space their "Mid-Century Marketing Manufactory." Who wouldn't be inspired working in this beautiful and creative environment.

Interesting things about this building include the metal awning shown below that shades the building (the side awning is visible in another photo) and deflects the elements. The large expanse of glass windows with metal trim and framed by concrete blocks, provides a look into the building's interior and a view of the cool floating stairway with its stylish metal railing. An interior brick wall is the stairway's backdrop and hides behind it the desks and inner workings of the business. This is a multi-level building and upon entering, you must make a choice to go up to the offices or down to the studio level.

Interior furnishings include iconic Herman Miller pieces giving the building a thoroughly modern aesthetic, especially with the original flooring. The interior and exterior brick are the same rich dark color. mirroring another small mid-century building at 1501 Lake Drive SE. The sides of the building are concrete block relieved by a combination of glass block and narrow vertical windows and panels.

Photo taken by Cathy Seaver, Cull Group, Inc.

The old fashioned light post visible in the photo reminds us that this modern building is set in an historic area of town. It reminds us in the best way that the beauty of Grand Rapids is its eclectic blend of new and old. The building also sits next door to a wonderful piece of historic architecture - the old Windmill Florist that is now the home of the Cakabakery where the old building features are preserved and new delicious bake goods are always available.

Photo by Cathy Seaver, Cull Group

The Seavers uncovered the detailed history of the ownership including the rental history of the building through his research in the Grand Rapids Public Library Local History Room. In 1911, 1432 Wealthy was a vacant lot. But by 1912, a home with 10 rooms had been built and the owners began looking for renters. According to the Cull Group website, "The property at 1432 Wealthy St SE was originally the site of a residence—a house like many still standing on adjacent streets. In 1913, you could rent a room here for the reasonable rate of $2 per week. In 1914, the house was listed for sale with the note that “some doctor would do well to consider” buying the house, as it was already equipped for a medical practice. We’re not sure if a doctor bought the house or not, but a few years later you could come to the house to buy half price eggs and prize-winning chickens. We’re partial to turkeys...and modern medical care, for what it’s worth."

Fast forward to 1962. The house had been demolished and the lot was once again vacant and in the process of becoming the site for a brand new and very modern office building. The first owner of that new building was Newhof Associates and they most likely constructed the building. Tom Newhof was a builder and contractor who had a long career of building both residential and commercial structures. In other West Michigan Modern research, we discovered that Newhof was the Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Home Builders Association in 1950 - a pivotal year in building for Grand Rapids during the post-war baby boom and housing shortage - a little over 10 years before the Cull Group Building was constructed. Newhof Associates kept the building at 1432 Wealthy for about 11 years. After that there were a number of owners. Check out this quick review of the other owners of the building provided by Jefferson Seaver.

Historic photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids City Archives

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

2013 — Cull Group, Inc.

2000 - 2013 Uptown Ministries LLC

1990 - 2000 West Michigan Environmental Action Council

1978 - 1990 Sam Dix

1974 - 1978 Sank's Realty Company

1962 - 1974 Building is constructed and remains with Newhof Associates & Company

1961 House is razed

1912 Ten room house is constructed on vacant lot

See below for a complete list of renters and owners prepared by Jefferson Seavers, Cull Group. Thank you Cull Group for sharing the information and photos!